Well I've heard that there's snow on the ground in Jersey and more to come. All I can say is, at least it's always beach season here! Ahh, but I do like the thought of snow, the serenity in waking up and seeing everything covered in white and the sky that beautiful pink. The smell of wood burning and cookies baking, Christmas carols on the radio. Makes me smile. Currently I'm sleeping with blankets in an air conditioned room, so I can almost imagine feeling cold. I'm in Accra on medical leave for at least a week. I had a bug bite on my leg that went wild, and got a staph infection within 2 days, to the point that I could barely walk. So I called the Doctor and they rushed me in and sent me to a specialist. I went to bed after a dose of some VERY strong antibiotics and woke up feeling almost as good as new! They just want to keep me here to see if I'll be able to keep my leg. Hahahaha, just Kidding! It's healing nicely and I'm feeling better. PC takes GREAT care of us. So, no need to worry. I just have stupid skin. Always something goin wrong with it.
Last weekend I was able to go to a concert! It was real cheap, only like $2, and there were 6 performers. The headliner was Samini- he's currently the most popular African artist, and a winner of all kinds of awards. So for $2, I got to spend the night dancing to reggae and hip-life. Can't beat that!
I was planning on sending Christmas gifts or at least cards home, but it seems it's not gonna happen til next year. So sorry, I am still tryin to figure out how things work here.
I saw pictures from Nathan's birthday party, looked like a lot of fun. I can't believe he's 3!!! Wish I could've been there for him.
Thanks for the birthday packages! Ash I got yours, and I love you it was amazing. And Mom and Dad I got yours, also amazing! If you sent something to the address for Takoradi, it will probably be awhile before I get it, so I suggest just sending all mails to the Accra address.
That's it for now. I'm planning to go to Nkwanta for Christmas to hang out with some people up there. Should be a good one. Ok, love you.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thanksgiving
Late Happy Thanksgiving to all!
So the US Ambassador to Ghana invited all PCV's in Ghana to his house for Thanksgiving. I and about 60 others went to Accra where he lives by the Embassy to eat his food and drink his wine. It was great! I was able to see all my friends that I haven't seen in about 3 months. We swapped stories and caught up, and noted on everyone's weight loss/weight gains. We swam in the pool, drank sangria, and ate plenty of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, SALAD, and finished off a great meal with pecan pie and pumpkin pie. It was really nice to relax and take our minds off missing home and family. After the Ambassador kicked us out, (he literally had to, because no one wanted to leave!) we went out for some football and margaritas at Champs. Surprisingly, the football game we were watching was actually 2 weeks old, but we didn't care. It was the Pats/Colts game. We were all able to stay for free that night, thanks to American families living near the embassy offering us their houses. The woman who hosted me was the Director of Voice of America for West Africa, and she was very sweet. I took a hot shower, and then cranked the air conditioner down to 70 degrees and cuddled up with blankets. Wow. It felt great. Air conditioning is really a cool thing. The next day I went home and decided to move my mattress outside to my porch to sleep. I set up my mosquito net so I have a little camp site goin on. It is by far the best idea I've had since coming to Ghana. I sleep so well now. :)
I've been heading down to the beach a lot, hangin out with friends, and overall just really been enjoying myself. It's hard to believe I've been here 6 months already. 2 years is gonna fly right on by.
I got a tattoo on my right leg just above my ankle. I'd post pics of it but I can't find the USB cord for my camera, so I'll just paste the link to what I got. It's a traditional African Adinkra symbol called Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu, which literally means 'Siamese Crocodiles'. It represents unity in diversity. It hurt, but I really like it. http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra/funt.htm
OK, that's all for now. I'm gonna go eat some fufu for lunch. Love you and miss you all.
OK, that's all for now. I'm gonna go eat some fufu for lunch. Love you and miss you all.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Quick Update!
"Yooo Chalay!! How be it??!!!" ( That's my new ghanaian slang for wats up friend)
I have been busy, and otherwise complacent so sorry for not writing in a while. I celebrated my first birthday in Ghana! 24( jeez im getting old!), and it was a good one. My nearest PCV neighbor came and spent a few days with me, and we went out and bought some new crazy clothes and jewelry for my birthday/halloween celebration. No one in Ghana celebrates Halloween, so they just thought we were weird all dressed up, but it was fun. My new and very cool friend took us out around town, and we started out the night at a 'rasta' bar and drank some palm wine and danced. It's a chill little hangout, very well hidden, and the whole place is made out of bamboo. It's one of my favorite places to go here. Next we went to a Lebanese owned pool bar(like billiards, not swimming pool), and it has air conditioning. (very exciting to us). From there we went to a sports bar called Champps, kinda like the one at home, in hopes of catching some of the world series. No luck, but there was karaoke and lots of crazy dancing. I was still wanting to see some Phillies, though, so we went to another place that they call a casino (I think theres a slot machine, and pool tables), and after a lot of convincing, I got them to show the world series. I was the only one interested, but it was fun! Who'da thought I'd be watching the Phillies play in the world series in a casino in Ghana??? My life is crazy. And it was a great birthday. Minus the fact that they lost.
So I've been busy at work, going out into some of the communities we are working with. I have been helping with the trainings, teaching record keeping, crisis management, and conflict resolution so far. I have a translator at each of the meetings, so I don't really know, but I assume they are doing a good job translating. I've also been making some new friends and hanging out a bit more.
I received Dom's birth announcement last week, so I'm guessing it will be some time before I get my birthday cards, but no worries. They'll come when they come, if they come at all. I hope all is well at home. Bummer to hear bout the Phils, but I must say I'm glad I got to be home when they won last year. I miss you and love you.
"Byebye yooooo" :)
I have been busy, and otherwise complacent so sorry for not writing in a while. I celebrated my first birthday in Ghana! 24( jeez im getting old!), and it was a good one. My nearest PCV neighbor came and spent a few days with me, and we went out and bought some new crazy clothes and jewelry for my birthday/halloween celebration. No one in Ghana celebrates Halloween, so they just thought we were weird all dressed up, but it was fun. My new and very cool friend took us out around town, and we started out the night at a 'rasta' bar and drank some palm wine and danced. It's a chill little hangout, very well hidden, and the whole place is made out of bamboo. It's one of my favorite places to go here. Next we went to a Lebanese owned pool bar(like billiards, not swimming pool), and it has air conditioning. (very exciting to us). From there we went to a sports bar called Champps, kinda like the one at home, in hopes of catching some of the world series. No luck, but there was karaoke and lots of crazy dancing. I was still wanting to see some Phillies, though, so we went to another place that they call a casino (I think theres a slot machine, and pool tables), and after a lot of convincing, I got them to show the world series. I was the only one interested, but it was fun! Who'da thought I'd be watching the Phillies play in the world series in a casino in Ghana??? My life is crazy. And it was a great birthday. Minus the fact that they lost.
So I've been busy at work, going out into some of the communities we are working with. I have been helping with the trainings, teaching record keeping, crisis management, and conflict resolution so far. I have a translator at each of the meetings, so I don't really know, but I assume they are doing a good job translating. I've also been making some new friends and hanging out a bit more.
I received Dom's birth announcement last week, so I'm guessing it will be some time before I get my birthday cards, but no worries. They'll come when they come, if they come at all. I hope all is well at home. Bummer to hear bout the Phils, but I must say I'm glad I got to be home when they won last year. I miss you and love you.
"Byebye yooooo" :)
Monday, October 19, 2009
On the subject of Friendship...
I like to think that I have made some friends here. Ghanaians are very friendly, and go out of their way to say hello. But yesterday I had a very upsetting experience. I have a friend, let's call him Nana Kojo, and he is one of the few people here I feel somewhat normal around. We were having a conversation yesterday, and he started bringing up how he wants me to help him. By this he means, help him get to America. Apparently, someone from America came to Ghana, and married a Ghanaian to get them into America, then divorced them. But the visa was good, and now that person is now living it up in America. Well, that American was evil, because now every Ghanaian believes that all Americans owe this to them. For two hours I argued with him that I was NOT going to marry him, and that I would like to help him, but it will not be with my ring finger. He was angry, and confused, as to why I wouldn't do him this small small favor, since he was willing to pay for all of it, and said that I was not his friend if I do not want to help him. I countered, that marriage, even if done strictly as a business matter, is not small small, and I do not have to take him back to America with me to be a good friend. I explained that if and when I marry someone, it will be someone I love, and that I do not want to be divorced. Now it's not like I haven't been proposed to before, I'd say I've racked up well over 200 marriage proposals, from men AND women. But that my intelligent, young friend, was willing to sit in my house and argue with me about it for two hours is very upsetting. I asked him why he wanted to go to America, when he has a good job in Ghana. He said America is where he can get rich, even if it is by mopping floors. I also suggested that instead of leaving his country, why not stay and help build Ghana into the country he wants it to be? He kept repeating the phrase 'there are many ways to kill a goat', and I'm still not sure if he was referring to the many ways to go about getting him to America, or a threat of the many ways of killing my dog, Nala. It makes me wonder if I will ever be able to develop a completely genuine friendship with anyone here; one where they are not expecting something in return. Sad.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Word Pictures...
Since I can't find a way to post my pictures, I figured I'd try to descibe in words the scenery here. I recently traveled to the Eastern Region to visit a friend. It's easy to forget how beautiful the country is outside of the cities. Traveling in Ghana sucks, but it is a visually rewarding experience. Here is the romantic version of my 10 hour trip:
Red dirt roads flanked on either side by pink hibiscus trees and bushes dotted with yellow, purple, and magenta flowers lead you out of town. Palm trees full of coconuts and the magical fan trees guide you through a tropical paradise. Dense rainforests full of lush green ferns, thick palms, and rolling hills of bush hide an unknown world. Pass along the coast and smell the salty air, and white sand beaches with leaning palms on the rocky coastline. Brightly painted fishing boats bob in the lagoons in rhythm with the swells, waves crash on the beach. Soon the forests thin and the land flattens, resembling a savanna. Rocky plateaus emerge on either side, reminiscent of Pride Rock, overlooking a vast valley, with tall grasses swaying in the wind and scattered trees. Eventually the tall, green mountains, can be seen in the distance. Winding roads scale the sides, and looking down below only the umbrella trees and massive timber trees reaching to heaven can be seen. They appear to be guarding their mountains, for hundreds of years, demanding awe and respect. Mango trees dot the horizon, with fruit hanging from the branches. Blue skies give way to twinkling stars.
The beauty of this place far exceeds that of any other I've seen.
And I've only seen the southern half, can't wait to go north to the desert!
Red dirt roads flanked on either side by pink hibiscus trees and bushes dotted with yellow, purple, and magenta flowers lead you out of town. Palm trees full of coconuts and the magical fan trees guide you through a tropical paradise. Dense rainforests full of lush green ferns, thick palms, and rolling hills of bush hide an unknown world. Pass along the coast and smell the salty air, and white sand beaches with leaning palms on the rocky coastline. Brightly painted fishing boats bob in the lagoons in rhythm with the swells, waves crash on the beach. Soon the forests thin and the land flattens, resembling a savanna. Rocky plateaus emerge on either side, reminiscent of Pride Rock, overlooking a vast valley, with tall grasses swaying in the wind and scattered trees. Eventually the tall, green mountains, can be seen in the distance. Winding roads scale the sides, and looking down below only the umbrella trees and massive timber trees reaching to heaven can be seen. They appear to be guarding their mountains, for hundreds of years, demanding awe and respect. Mango trees dot the horizon, with fruit hanging from the branches. Blue skies give way to twinkling stars.
The beauty of this place far exceeds that of any other I've seen.
And I've only seen the southern half, can't wait to go north to the desert!
Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are mine entirely and do not reflect those of the United States Peace Corps.
I realize I have a romantic view of the world, it is the consequence of being an idealist. Nevertheless, I decided to share this essay after it sparked several interesting conversations between friends. I wrote it a couple weeks ago, and hope none take offense. No, I'm not becoming a liberal ;) I claim neither side. I just try to think my own thoughts.
Abstract
Imagine if the world were white and black.
The same, but the opposite.
Ruled by a strong, united Africa,
Central in the world, extending their reach to all other nations.
A land rich in natural resources and beauty,
With a people just as rich in diversity and culture.
What if the black African had colonized white Europe, instead of the other way around?
Would they have laid claims on the land as their own,
Dividing it among themselves, disregarding the borders of the people?
Would they have come in the name of their god to spread civilization and convert the lost?
Would the 'dark', have been the 'light?'
Could it have been so
That they would have taken the white man from his home
To build their nations on his back?
Would Europe be plagued with disease, poverty, war, and corrupt leaders
Puppets used by others to play in a bigger world game?
Imagine a people so reliant on aid that
That they've lost the will to help themselves.
I cannot understand, you see, why it was one way and not the other.
For I could have been living in a nation indebted for eternity,
Or celebrating the triumph of the first White President!
Why is one continent, rich in all ways except money,
So far behind the rest?
I believe the only solution that will heal Africa, is one yet to be determined
By Africans.
I realize I have a romantic view of the world, it is the consequence of being an idealist. Nevertheless, I decided to share this essay after it sparked several interesting conversations between friends. I wrote it a couple weeks ago, and hope none take offense. No, I'm not becoming a liberal ;) I claim neither side. I just try to think my own thoughts.
Abstract
Imagine if the world were white and black.
The same, but the opposite.
Ruled by a strong, united Africa,
Central in the world, extending their reach to all other nations.
A land rich in natural resources and beauty,
With a people just as rich in diversity and culture.
What if the black African had colonized white Europe, instead of the other way around?
Would they have laid claims on the land as their own,
Dividing it among themselves, disregarding the borders of the people?
Would they have come in the name of their god to spread civilization and convert the lost?
Would the 'dark', have been the 'light?'
Could it have been so
That they would have taken the white man from his home
To build their nations on his back?
Would Europe be plagued with disease, poverty, war, and corrupt leaders
Puppets used by others to play in a bigger world game?
Imagine a people so reliant on aid that
That they've lost the will to help themselves.
I cannot understand, you see, why it was one way and not the other.
For I could have been living in a nation indebted for eternity,
Or celebrating the triumph of the first White President!
Why is one continent, rich in all ways except money,
So far behind the rest?
I believe the only solution that will heal Africa, is one yet to be determined
By Africans.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Just thinkin to clear my head
The things i miss about home:
-the smells and sounds of fall- it’s crisp, refreshing
- baking and making my favorite apple dishes(pie, cobbler, sauce)
- the excitement in knowing Halloween, my birthday, and Christmas are coming
-seeing my nephews dressed up in their Halloween costumes
- Wawa hazelnut coffee- and not sweating when I drink it
- driving down to college through the valley and seeing the colors of the leaves change on the mountains
- football, eagles, homecoming, marching band shows, bleachers, hot cocoa
- warm, fuzzy, socks
- watching Christmas movies while making cookies
- going for a jog or a walk on a cold day and feeling your lungs burn
- driving
- being able to walk around and feel normal
The things that keep me here:
- the music
-the genuine smiles on people’s faces when they say hello
- the response I get when I say something in the local language. You’d think I just solved global warming!
- the chiseled bodies of gorgeous men that just happen to be EVERYWHERE
- the laughs I give to people when I buy a coconut and eat it the right way
- the little girl that walks me to my taxi everyday
- the breeze
- the crazy lady who walks around the city screaming at nobody and everybody, and seeing a man stop what he’s doing and escort her safely across the street, all the while screaming her head off
- knowing that if I’m lost, or confused, there’s always someone willing to walk me to where I’m going, without asking anything in return
- the coca-cola. made with real sugar, and i'm pretty sure cocaine, cuz its addicting!
-wearing flip-flops everyday and never having cold toes
- fufu and groundnut soup. Mmmm!
- seeing some kid in a vintage 81 T.O. eagles jersey
- being able to buy fish, toilet paper, water, rice, sunglasses, perfume, markers, clothes, towels, yams, bananas, and anything else you can think of off of some girls head on my way home
- the pineapple!!! You buy it on the street and it’s served in a bag peeled, chopped, and with a toothpick all for less than 50 cents!!!!
-the smells and sounds of fall- it’s crisp, refreshing
- baking and making my favorite apple dishes(pie, cobbler, sauce)
- the excitement in knowing Halloween, my birthday, and Christmas are coming
-seeing my nephews dressed up in their Halloween costumes
- Wawa hazelnut coffee- and not sweating when I drink it
- driving down to college through the valley and seeing the colors of the leaves change on the mountains
- football, eagles, homecoming, marching band shows, bleachers, hot cocoa
- warm, fuzzy, socks
- watching Christmas movies while making cookies
- going for a jog or a walk on a cold day and feeling your lungs burn
- driving
- being able to walk around and feel normal
The things that keep me here:
- the music
-the genuine smiles on people’s faces when they say hello
- the response I get when I say something in the local language. You’d think I just solved global warming!
- the chiseled bodies of gorgeous men that just happen to be EVERYWHERE
- the laughs I give to people when I buy a coconut and eat it the right way
- the little girl that walks me to my taxi everyday
- the breeze
- the crazy lady who walks around the city screaming at nobody and everybody, and seeing a man stop what he’s doing and escort her safely across the street, all the while screaming her head off
- knowing that if I’m lost, or confused, there’s always someone willing to walk me to where I’m going, without asking anything in return
- the coca-cola. made with real sugar, and i'm pretty sure cocaine, cuz its addicting!
-wearing flip-flops everyday and never having cold toes
- fufu and groundnut soup. Mmmm!
- seeing some kid in a vintage 81 T.O. eagles jersey
- being able to buy fish, toilet paper, water, rice, sunglasses, perfume, markers, clothes, towels, yams, bananas, and anything else you can think of off of some girls head on my way home
- the pineapple!!! You buy it on the street and it’s served in a bag peeled, chopped, and with a toothpick all for less than 50 cents!!!!
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